1974 Graduating Class


Health & Wellness


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Greetings Baby Boomers


"Secrets to Feeding Your Skin"

Glowing, healthy skin requires a two-step approach. Cleansers, moisturizers, and treatments address the needs of our skin from the outside. Skin and nutrition experts say, we must also nourish it from the inside, eating plenty of foods with nutrients that keep our complexion calm and provide support on the cellular level.   These foods can nourish our skin from the inside:

Bell Peppers * Whatever color you choose to put on your plate, bell peppers offer amazing skin benefits.  Peppers contain high levels of vitamin C which is a crucial nutrient for collagen production.  Vitamin C also helps protect cells from damage caused by free radials, agents that attack a cell's DNA. 

Berries * Brightly colored berries contain antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals that can damage the DNA of healthy skin cells.  Blackberries, blueberries and strawberries have some of the highest antioxidants levels of any food.  Newly discovered research found a link between the  antioxidants in these berries and decreased incidence of UV damage.

Cherries * Life is a bowl of cherries for your skin.  Studies have found that the chemicals in this tart fruit can help inhibit pigmentation and contain a hormone linked to slowing the aging process.

Ground Turkey * Lean protein, such as ground turkey provides skin with the building blocks for collagen and elastin, the fibers that help skin look firm and wrinkle free.  Research also shows that the levels of zinc and niacin in ground turkey may also help treat inflammatory acne.

Olive Oil * This delicious oil is a crucial ingredient for healthy skin.  Olive oil helps fight oxidative damage (from the sun or pollution) and prevents inflammation, one of the main causes of premature aging.   Research shows that increased olive oil consumption helps hydrate your skin from the inside.  This healthy skin food is also a great beauty product.  Apply it directly to the skin and hair for an intense moisturizing treatment.

Salmon * These meaty fish contain high levels of Omega-3fats, which are known for their ability to fight inflammation--a damaging process that causes acne, premature aging and irritation.  Research shows that oily fish like salmon can help to reduce psoriasis symptoms and reduce the risk of non melanoma skin cancer.

Shrimp * These tiny shellfish have big nutrition benefits.  They contain a potent antioxidant (it's what gives them their pink color), and they contain Omega-3s for additional antioxidant power.  Plus, these little guys also contain zinc, an excellent anti-inflammatory that can help reduce acne breakouts. 

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                   "When Supplements Become Dangerous"

  Turning fifty something is a wonderful milestone and should be celebrated and embraced through quality of life.  It has become clear that many of us are experiencing changes to our health.  Make no mistake, these changes are due to the normal progression of age.  As we mature, our metabolism slows and we become less active.

 These changes may consist of: high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, etc.  At an alarming  rate, many of us are losing the battle with failing and unforeseen health challenges, due to lack of information.   

 An article posted in the April 2012 issue of AARP Bulletin titled, “When Supplements Become Dangerous” needed to be shared.  Because fifty seems to be the magical age that we tend to focus our attention, we begin to exercise and consider a more serious vitamin regiment.  The article explains taking vitamins with prescribed medications without the knowledge of our physicians, and how it can prove to be fatal.

 EXAMPLE:  A 74-year old male patient was having a routine checkup a year after undergoing a kidney transplant.   He was doing remarkably well until his doctor reviewed his blood test and discovered an alarming mystery.  Levels of the drug that was preventing the patient’s body from rejecting the transplanted kidney had dropped significantly.   They were stunned until the doctor talked to the man’s daughter.   The patient had begun taking a dietary vitamin supplement that included Saint John’s wort, which is marketed to improve mood.   “No one had mentioned it because no one really thought of it as a medicine.”  

 Saint John’s wort can speed the breakdown of some prescription medicines--including some of the drugs that prevent rejection--by eliminating them from the body before they can take full effect.   If the blood test hadn’t alerted doctors the supplement might have triggered rejections of the kidney--or even death. 

                          Known Vitamin Supplements w/interactions:  

 Aloe Vera - Used on your skin, is perfectly safe.  However, taken orally in laxative preparations, it may interact with blood sugar-lowering medicines used to treat diabetes.

 Ginseng - This popular herb can reduce concentrations of the anticoagulant drug Warfarin and can interact with some antidepressant and psychiatric medications.

 Licorice Root - Taken for ulcers, bronchitis and sore throat, licorice root can cause high blood pressure and salt and water retention, raising the risk of heart problems.

 Bitter Orange -  Touted as a remedy for nausea or indigestion, it contains chemicals that can speed heart rate and increase blood pressure to dangerous levels.

 KAVA - Promoted as a treatment for insomnia and anxiety, kava has been reported to cause liver damage including hepatitis and liver failure.  It may also impair driving ability.

 Melatonin -  Used for insomnia.  It can reduce the effectiveness of antidepressant, anti anxiety and blood pressure meds.  It can increase bleeding risk, if your on a blood thinner.

 Garlic -  May seem harmless, for example, but high doses found in supplements, garlic acts as a blood thinner.  If your on a prescription drug to prevent blood clots, garlic supplements may make your blood too thin, increasing the risk of excessive bleeding.   

 Green Tea - Green tea supplements can reduce the effectiveness of certain blood-thinning drugs as well.  Also at risk are patients taking drugs for depression or other psychiatric problems.

 Ginkgo -  Has been linked to adverse interactions with psychiatric medications.                                                   

  Vitamin K Supplements -  Essential for health, vitamin K helps in blood coagulation.  Taking too much can block the effectiveness of the medication warfarin, used to prevent blood clots

 Yomimbe - Added to some erectile dysfunction herbal supplements, yohimbe can cause seizures, severe low blood pressure or heart problems.  Yohimbe may interact with a variety of medications. 

 Saint John’s Wort -  Can also decrease the effectiveness of cancer drugs by up to 40 percent

 Psyllium -  Dietary supplements with psyllium, which Is used as a laxative,  can cause problems by reducing absorption of prescription medications, including carbamazepine and lithium, which are widely used to treat psychiatric symptoms.

 Zinc -  Used as a defense against colds, excess zinc can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach cramps, diarrhea and headaches.  It can interact with a variety of prescription drugs, including antibiotics and hypertension meds.  

 Even “natural” supplements can interact with prescription medications        especially if you have hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease or liver problems.  Consult your doctor about any supplements you take---it could save your life.   Also, any dietary supplements of any kind, including a multi-vitamin.   

NOTE:  This information can be verified at: www.aarp.org/bulletin 
      April 2012 issue of AARP Bulletin titled, “When Supplements Become Dangerous”



  STAY HEALTHY BULLDOGS!!!